The Press Box. BRIEFS.

Nolan Spurns Sabres' One-year Offer

Ted Nolan needed only a few seconds to consider the contract offer from the Buffalo Sabres before realizing he would be looking for a new job.

Nolan, the NHL's coach of the year after guiding the Sabres to their first division title in 16 years, rejected a one-year deal Thursday and said a weekend to think it over wouldn't change his mind.

The decision comes a few days after goaltender Dominik Hasek, the MVP and Vezina Trophy winner, said he hoped Nolan would not come back.

- Bob Gainey decided to remain general manager of the Dallas Stars rather than go to Toronto to join friend and former teammate Ken Dryden, the new Maple Leafs president.

Golf: Robert Damron shot a 6-under-par 65 for a one-stroke lead as darkness suspended the first round of the $1.5 million St. Jude Classic in Memphis. Kenny Perry, Nick Price and Craig Kanada each shot 66. None of those playing after a 3-hour, 5-minute rain delay finished among the leaders.

Colleges: Division I athletes who entered college in 1990 graduated at slightly higher rates than did students in general--58 percent compared with 56 percent--with only football players showing a decline, the NCAA said, adding the survey supports its claim that freshman eligibility requirements result in more athletes getting diplomas.

Boxing: Promoter Don King filed a $70 million suit against Terry Norris, claiming the WBC super-welterweight champion breached his contract by agreeing to fight for another promoter. Norris sued King in May in an attempt to break his contract.